Coping with Psoriatic Arthritis

Tips for Coping with Joint Symptoms

Respect pain.

Pain is the body’s way of telling you something is wrong. You may experience pain from your arthritis every day, but if you have pain that lasts more than an hour or two following an activity, or if it seems worse the next morning, you may have overdone it. Try doing it differently next time or ask for help. Don’t ignore pain.

Avoid improper postures or positions.

Use the correct sitting position — head and back straight, neck supported, and feet on the floor. When lying down, keep one pillow under your head to rest your joints.

Avoid staying in one position for a long time.

Keeping your joints in one position for a long time can increase pain and stiffness. Take breaks between activities. When watching TV, get up every 20 minutes or so and walk around. If you are typing or writing a letter, relax and stretch your arms and hands for a few minutes.

Use the strongest and largest muscles and joints for the job.

For example, when you get up from a chair, do not use your fingertips or knuckles to push yourself up, since this puts undue strain on your joints. Instead, use your palms to push yourself up and out of your seat.

Avoid sustained joint activities.

Don’t carry packages long distances. Instead, use a shopping cart that you can push. If you like to walk, make sure that there are places to rest along your path, or take shorter walks that won’t put a lot of stress on your joints.

Maintain muscle strength and joint range of motion.

Arthritis often reduces joint mobility and strength. Your doctor or physical therapist can prescribe gentle exercises that can keep you mobile. Strengthening exercises will help your muscles support the joints, relieving stress. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before you begin any kind of exercise plan.

Use helpful devices and splints.

Assisted devices include things like wheeled laundry baskets, enlarged key holders, and reachers, which can grab things from the top shelf at the grocery store. Your doctor may also prescribe a splint or orthosis, which hold the joint in a specific place to protect it.

Tips for Coping with Skin Symptoms

If you experience skin symptoms with your psoriatic arthritis, there are a few things you can do to manage your condition so that symptoms don’t keep you from maintaining your quality of life.

• Fingernails and toenails can be affected by psoriatic arthritis. You may see indentations or “pits” in the nails. Sometimes the nail will lift from the nail bed.
• If you are working outdoors in the garden, the garage, or anywhere outside, wear a pair of protective gloves such as gardening gloves or mechanic’s gloves. You may also want to wear shoes or sneakers with enclosed toes to protect your toenails.
• Brief exposure to moderate amounts of sunlight can actually help heal skin lesions. Just be careful not to burn, and don’t stay in the sun for long periods of time.
• Don’t be afraid to moisturize your skin. Take a relaxing bath in oil, Epsom salts, or oiled oatmeal. These substances may bring temporary relief for inflamed, scaly skin. When you get out of the bath, make sure to moisturize your skin. Moisturizing regularly can help reduce scales and inflammation.

Be sure to always consult a physician before you begin any kind of diet or fitness program or before you make any significant adjustments to your lifestyle. The severity of your disease can impact your ability to do certain activities. Your physician can help you determine what activities and quality-of-life adjustments are best for you.

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